Non-alcoholic steatohepatitis in 2018

Abstract

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) refers to all liver disease severity stages, characterized by a build-up of hepatic fat. In most patients, it is associated with the presence of a metabolic syndrome. The prevalence of NAFLD is increasing, along with that of the inflammatory condition called nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), which is characterized not only by steatosis but also by lobular inflammation and hepatocyte injury. NASH is associated with an increased liver-related (for advanced fibrosis stages) and nonliver-related morbidity and mortality (mainly due to cardiovascular events). While NASH diagnosis relies on histology, both steatosis and fibrosis can be evaluated by non-invasive methods allowing adequate treatment and follow-up.